Police address alleged illegal felling of city trees in Bandung

An alleged illegal felling of at least 10 shade trees in Bandung, West Java, has sparked outrage from Mayor M Farhan, who discovered the act during an inspection. The trees, located at the intersection of Jalan LLRE Martadinata and Jalan Cihapit, were reportedly cut down without authorization, prompting the mayor to accuse perpetrators of violating local regulations.

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Regarding the tree cutting, we are certainly aware of the incident. But as of now, we have not received any reports from the relevant parties, from the relevant department, or from the City Government.

Mayor Farhan has vowed to pursue administrative sanctions and potentially criminal charges against those responsible for the unauthorized removal of the city's greenery. He has already taken action by sealing the location where the trees once stood. The trees in question included five mahogany and five tanjung trees, each approximately 10 meters tall and about eight years old, belonging to the Bandung city government as they were situated on the sidewalk.

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But we, along with the Police Sector, are studying and investigating whether there are indications of criminal acts in this incident.

In response to the public outcry, the Bandung City Police (Polrestabes Bandung) have acknowledged awareness of the incident but stated that no official report has been filed by the relevant city agencies or the local government. Despite the lack of a formal complaint, the police are not remaining idle. They are actively investigating the matter, studying the situation, and coordinating with the Bandung City government to determine if criminal acts were committed.

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Yes, if the owner of the trees feels they have been damaged, cut down, meaning they are gone, then they can no longer be used. So, there is an indication of damage at a minimum, like that. But we will check again, investigate again whether this incident indicates a criminal act.

Kasat Reskrim Polrestabes Bandung, AKBP Anton, emphasized that the police will take legal action if any party feels harmed and files a report. He noted that the cutting of trees, which renders them unusable, could be considered property damage at a minimum. However, a thorough investigation is needed to confirm if the incident constitutes a criminal offense. The city's Department of Housing and Settlement (DPKP) had previously sent a letter to the Satpol PP regarding the discovery of the alleged illegal logging on July 3, prior to the mayor's inspection.

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Because we have not received an official report from the victim, from the owner of the trees, or perhaps from the City Government. We will also discuss with the City Government to take further steps.